Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Rape and Statutes of Limitation in Texas

My g-friend was raped by her stepfather from the age of 8-24 in Texas (and a couple other states). What are the statutes on child rape in Texas? And on adult rape in Texas? And if the childhood statute is up (she's now 28) and the adult limit is not, can the childhood abuse be brought in as evidence in prosecuting for the adult abuse (i.e. to show that this man had brain-washed her from the age of 8, instilling enough fear in her not to speak out, even as a young woman). She told her mom at age 15 and again at 18, and the mom ignored it. Can she face charges? This guy is a piece of crap, and probably a danger to the public (he's a pedophile). How do we go about this case when she is ready to prosecute?


Asked on 6/25/06, 1:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: Rape and Statutes of Limitation in Texas

The Statute of REPOSE which typically in most states begins to run from date of the victim reaching the age of majority is usually around six (6) years, but may be tolled or extended under certain circumstances involving medically documented psychological trauma. Your girl friend should consider retaining an attorney to research the relevant jurisdictional statutes and case law that apply in her situation, or contact the appropriate prosecutor's offices in all the state juridiction's involved to include relevant Federal prosecutors if her transportation across state lines for illicit sexual activity was involved, which would have been a violation of the Mann Act. She, NOT JUST YOU, must want to pursue this! Good Luck!

Read more
Answered on 6/25/06, 2:42 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Texas